Koster to host workshops on solutions to minority participation in urban policing

ST. LOUIS (KMOV.com) – On Sunday, Attorney General Chris Koster announced he would be hosting a two-day workshop focusing on solutions to low minority participation in urban law enforcement agencies in Missouri.

“We are all searching for ways to increase respect and communication between law enforcement and the communities they protect,” said Koster. “One way to achieve this is for police agencies to more accurately reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.”

Koster said he is planning on inviting police chiefs, school administrators, students, community and neighborhood leaders, and others to offer advice on how to increase participation.

“In order to achieve this goal, the law enforcement community should reach out to young people by the tenth and eleventh grades. It is important to learn what challenges they face, show them role models in law enforcement, and open their eyes to how their participation in policing can benefit their own lives and the communities in which they live,” said Koster. “This is one way the frustration expressed on the streets of Ferguson can bring positive change in the policing of our urban communities.”

The event, which will be open to the public, will be held on October 1 in St. Louis and October 2 in Kansas City.